UNDERDOG: Mixed martial arts fighter ready for his chance to win tournament and $100,000 top prize

Fighter ready for stab at US stardom

JIMMY ‘Judo’ Wallhead is currently a ball of energy about to burst as he prepares to fly out to America for his stab at super-stardom.

The Shelthorpe mixed martial arts fighter is bursting at the seams with anticipation of taking part in the Bellator fighting championships in the States in an event watched by around 150 million people world wide.

Jimmy turned 26 last week and the Team Rough House trained warrior is ready to take on everything that the home of mixed martial arts can throw at him in the eight man number one contender Welterweight tournament which sees the winner earning a cool $100,000.

“People have been asking me why I’ve not gone out there already to acclimatize and everything,” said Jimmy.

“But I’ve got the best training facilities right here so I’m doing fine.

“I have (UFC fighter) Dan Hardy and (top professional) Andre Winner in my corner so I have a great team.”

First up for Wallhead on April 22 is Jacob ‘tick tock’ McLintock, a 22-year-old 6ft 2in American with a 6-0 record who specialises in ju jitsu.

“He’s never fought anyone like me,” Wallhead states with genuine confidence.

“I can’t find many videos of him around but he has a lot of hype following him.

“When I found out it was him I was fighting I thought ‘awesome’. Given his style of fighting I think it’s a great opportunity for myself.

“They might say the same about me but I can see negative points to all the fighters and I think I’m well placed to exploit them.”

Largely because he’s an unknown in America Wallhead is thought of as an underdog with only one other European in the competition.

But the underdog status is something that suits him fine.

“I’m confident. I’m not saying I’m going to be the champ as that just adds pressure but I’m going out there to perform and enjoy myself.

“It’s a good concept for a competition that I’m proud to be a part of and a great stage to show what I can do.